Alex scratched his chin. “A generous concession on both men’s parts, I am sure.”
Helen laughed, something she hadna done in quite a while. “My father isna a bad man, Laird Alex. He’s simply unfit to be my sire. I am to blame, too. For I have been too quiet and far too obedient all these years, leading my sire to think that I would do anything he asked of me.”
Alex’s sly smile reached his green eyes. “Keely wouldna love a lass so much who dinna have spirit.”
The praise pleased Helen. “How is my friend?”
“Yer timing is of interest,” he admitted. “Keely has just given birth to twins, my son and daughter.”
Helen jumped up. “Is she…”
“Resting comfortably and happy.”
“Thank God.” It had been so long since she’d heard anything from Keely. Communication between them had been cut off after Struan failed to bring Keely home as his bride. “May I see her?”
“In the morn,” he offered. “After she’s rested a spell.”
“I understand, milord.”
“Tis nothing against ye, Lady Helen.”
She smiled softly. Their reunion was long overdue.
“Do ye like children?”
“I adore bairns,” she said sincerely—hoping to have her own someday. “New life is the promise of a new tomorrow.”
“I couldna agree more. Are ye hungry?”
Just the mention of food made Helen’s stomach rumble. “Very.”
“If ye wait here, I will arrange for one of the maids to prepare a meal and yer bedchamber.”
“Thank ye.”
She watched Laird Alex leave the great hall. Her hope had not been wasted on the MacKays. Keely had chosen well, which made Helen very happy. Just then, something or someone moved to her left. The hall was otherwise quiet, not another person within. Sure to make it look like she dinna see anything, she shifted in the chair, turning just enough to take a casual look in that direction.
A tall, lean man with red hair caught her attention. Their gazed met, and Helen was sure she had never seen a more handsome man. He nodded at her, and she turned back to the fire. Maybe the shadows were playing games with her mind. After all, she was exhausted and hungry, cold and perhaps even a little drunk from the spirits she drank with the guard outside. No man should look that dangerous—that tempting—that unreal.
Aye, she’d blame it on anything else but reality. Helen closed her eyes and forced the man’s face from her mind. She hadna come here to find a husband, she’d come to the MacKays in search of sanctuary, in search of a new life away from her father. And if she intended to keep that new life, she must guard herself against anyone who could take it away from her.
Which included all men, especially the redheaded one in the great hall.
Unbreakable (Highlands Forever Book 1) Page 21
